The 10 Best Bars in Columbia Heights, Washington D.C.
Columbia Heights is a mix of different cultures and backgrounds that is reflected in the types of bars that can be found in the neighborhood. Read ahead for a list of our favorite bars in Columbia Heights, D.C.
Room 11
Bar, Restaurant, American, $$$
Room 11, Washington, DC | Courtesy of Kangaroo Boxing Club
A small bar with a large patio, Room 11 is a great spot to go and enjoy warm weather or share a cozy drink with friends in the winter. The environment is intimate, and exudes a hipster vibe that attracts a younger crowd. The menu features small plates that can be paired with any of the wines and cocktails offered. Or, try the elegant meat and cheese platters.
The Kangaroo Boxing Club was created with a single goal in mind – to be a place where guests can have great times with friends that they will remember for the rest of their lives. The club provides house-smoked barbecue and a jukebox where guests can pick their tunes. When it comes to drinks, the club specializes in cocktails with names such as ‘Touch of Paradise’ or ‘Summer Punch’. There are also the old classics, ‘Dark and Stormy’ or an ‘Old Fashioned’.
With an ever-changing list of different types of beers, cider and meads served by chill and amiable bartenders, The Pinch is a lively spot to spend the evening. The bar offers craft brews that can be enjoyed to live music, karaoke or one of the many trivia nights. For those looking to grab a bite to eat as well, The Pinch provides a menu of mussels, sliders and even spicy cajun shrimp skewers.
Meridian Pint, Washington, DC | Courtesy of Wonderland Ballroom
The Meridian Pint is a rustic bar that prides itself on its environmental sustainability. All of the food offered is created from seasonal locally and regionally sourced ingredients, and all of the waste is composted. Even the beer is a part of their sustainability, as all of it is American to limit the effects caused by shipping overseas. Guests can partake in the rotating drafts while challenging friends to a round of billiards.
A multi-level bar with a hip outdoor beer garden, Wonderland Ballroom has guests flocking to it for the great food and lively environment. The menu covers a range of traditional bar food with plenty of vegan options to cover everyone’s preference. Upstairs there is a stage set up for live music and events. Here guests can let everything go and dance the night away.
A Mexican establishment specializing in taqueria fare, El Chucho has everything to satisfy those cravings for strong drinks and spicy food. The bar is tri-level, with a rooftop patio overlooking the neighborhood streets that is ideal for people-watching. The menu has traditional Mexican food that has been tweaked to appeal to the modern crowd. There is also plenty of tequila, mezcal and Mexican beer.
Zeba has everything that a bar needs. It’s a multi-level establishment with a dance floor, delicious cocktails and hookah. Each night they showcase a different DJ with a new selection of music so that each visit is different than the last and allows for a wide variety of dancing styles. The bar’s specialty is cocktails, with only a small selection of beers and wine. Guests can have their pick of fruity and herbal drinks, from Strawberry Lemonade to Cucumber Basil Martinis.
Built in 1935, the Raven Grill has vintage booths where customers can relax with friends, and is a popular watering hole for the locals. The bar has a jukebox that customers can play with and pick what music they want to be played next, while they peruse the menu of bottled and canned beer.
A bar that offers a variety of cajun food to satisfy the soul and a vast list of drinks, Red Derby is a spirited place to spend the night. On the menu are choices like po’boys, shrimp baskets, burgers and a decent selection of vegetarian entrees. Patrons can either chose to sit inside or enjoy the sun and stars at the rooftop bar.
With sports being such an integral part of American culture, the sports bar is a popular stop for fans. Lou’s City Bar has more than 20 TVs and one large projector. On these you can watch the can’t-miss games of the day from the comfort of an animated bar. Customers can partake in one of the 24 brews on tap, as well as reserve a Table Tap for self-service pouring.
